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Jul 30, 2016

Just recently, four new colorways have been added to one of our most popular projects. This easy project uses simple macramé techniques to create a wrap bracelet that can both embellish your wrist or be worn as a necklace. It's so simple with just beads spaced within the knotted cord.

Download the free, 16-page project handout that has both the original instructions and the new addition, which includes the four new color palettes. A list of ingredients is included. Tools and valuable Project Maps are also available on the website.

With the new samples, Janice demonstrates how to adapt the design to include a 2-hole button, which is more available than the single-hole pearl closure used in the earlier samples. "It's challenging to source anything unusual like that lovely pearl button, so I wanted to make sure the project would continue on with a button anyone could find." Janice chose 2-hole buttons in mother-of-pearl, but you could use almost any button. "I wouldn't recommend a shank button; I think the cord will have excess wear along the shank and wear out more quickly. However, a 2-hole button is a good choice."

Beach Memories designed by Deana Paul

While Janice Parsons developed the bead recipe for four of the new designs, there is a fifth entitled “Beach Memories,” which was designed by a member of our beading community, Deana Paul. Her beautiful creation was selected for Beader Showcase, Beadshop's platform for our readers to share their designs inspired by our online projects. Deana’s color combination of white, aqua, silver, and turquoise was inspired by the Pacific Ocean. In fact, she doesn’t live far from Catalina Island, and as she explains it, she “wanted the bracelet to have a beachy feel.”

The final length of your “Poetry” jewelry piece is up to you. According to the handout, around 40 to 46.5 inches is recommended for 6 to 7 wraps. The more wraps you want, the longer you can make it. If you’d rather wear it as a necklace, wear it long, double it, or add a focal pendant. The versatility of this design is up to you!

Jul 27, 2016

Roll up your sleeves because the heat is on! At least, that’s the case with the weather in many parts of the world as summer temperatures continue to climb. Hot weather also means you’ve put away the turtlenecks and pulled out the tank tops. Warmer weather usually means showing off a little more skin, and wrap bracelets are a great way to adorn yourself… and they make great gifts! They add a pop of color to an outfit, or you can choose neutral tones that will go with everything. Beadshop’s Prairie Wrap Bracelets let you combine colors and add your favorite slider charms to create unique jewelry. If you are ready to make one right now, there is already a large selection of designs to pick:

And there are many other designs to choose from; each sample includes a complete list of ingredients that goes along with the free, 15-page handout, which is easy to download. This is such a fun project that uses basic macramé techniques and simple gluing. It’s a breeze and intended for all levels. Just follow along and before you know it, you’ll forget all about that summer heat!

Jul 21, 2016

Stretch Therapy is not just for women.....

Look for the bead from 2002, when we celebrated 20 years of The Bead Shop of Palo Alto.

Finally, thanks to Johnny Depp, the moment for men’s jewelry has arrived! No more lurking in the shadows or being the only guy you know who wears jewelry….Now it’s a huge trend. Make bracelets for the man in your life…or, Guys, you can make them too! It’s okay to wear a wrist of embellishment and not feel weird.

Our newest project, Stretch Therapy is on it's way to being this summer's hit. Each stretchie takes less than 30 minutes to make and they make great gifts. The handout will take you through step-by-step how to add tassels, charms, tie a secure knot and more...